Thousands of area adults will have new warm clothing this winter thanks to a donation from Harley-Davidson Motor Company to NewThreads of Hope. Jackets, pants, sweatshirts, hats and gloves from the Milwaukee-based company were packaged and distributed today to 15 various community organizations.

The items, valued at roughly $1.2 million, helped NewThreads reach of milestone of distributing $100 million worth of clothing since its inception in 1987.

“As temperatures begin to drop, NewThreads has been working tirelessly to provide warm shirts, pants, coats, hats, and gloves to those in need in our community,” said Dennis J. Brand, President of NewThreads.

“NewThreads and Harley-Davidson have formed a wonderful partnership to help us meet this goal. We thank Harley-Davidson for being such outstanding corporate citizens by supporting NewThreads and, in turn, those throughout our entire community.”

Harley-Davidson has donated hundreds of thousands of new items to NewThreads over the past few years, with a total value of $6.1 million. Additionally, the company provides NewThreads with financial grants for operating and outreach.

“Harley-Davidson and NewThreads have a shared vision of freedom and independence for everyone,” said Patrick Smith, Vice President and General Manager of General Merchandise for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Our donation of new clothes helps provide a sense of greater self-sufficiency for people in our community, which is important to all of us at Harley-Davidson.”

NewThreads of Hope uses volunteers to process, sort and divide the clothing among the local social service agencies who distribute the items.

Fifteen local organizations are slated to receive items from the Harley-Davidson donation.

For more information about NewThreads of Hope, visit its website at www.newthreads.org.

NewThreads of Hope is a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization that acquires new, first-quality apparel, footwear, home goods and bed and bath items from local and national manufacturers and retailers and shared these products with families in need.

By forging strong relationships with non-profit agencies, NewThreads of Hope fulfills its mission to provide new clothing for new opportunities in our local community and throughout the United States.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise.